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New World Wealth

As part its ‘South Africa 2017 Wealth Report’, New World Wealth rated the 10 greatest entrepreneurs in SA history

According to the organisation, the criteria included:

Impact on South Africa and the world

Innovation

Jobs created

Ability to overcome obstacles

As reflected, Sol Kerzner tops the list. Take a look at the names below to find out more about the entrepreneurs and business gurus who have made an impact in South Africa …

Hotel mogul Sol Kerzner addresses students at the University of Johannesburg’s School of Tourism and Hospitality on March 25, 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Kerzner encouraged students to pursue careers in tourism and hospitality, and added that he could not think of a better industry for young entrepreneurs. (Photo by Gallo Images / Foto24 / Cornel van Heerden)…

1. Sol Kerzner

Sol Kerzner’s impact on South Africa has been massive. Most of the top luxury hotels and resorts in the country were built by him. Some notable ones are: Sun City and Lost City, Sandton Sun, Beverley Hills, Elangeni and Beacon Island.

What is interesting about these hotels is not so much their success, but rather the impact they have had on the surrounding areas.

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What is interesting about these hotels is not so much their success, but rather the impact they have had on the surrounding areas.

For instance, when the Beverley Hills Hotel was built in 1964, Umhlanga was a tiny resort town that most people had never heard of. However, the hotel’s success drew large numbers of wealthy people to the area and Umhlanga eventually became the main holiday hotspot for wealthy Jo’burgers in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Then in the 2000s, Umhlanga overtook Durban, to become the top prime area in Kwazulu Natal for wealthy people to live and work.

The Beacon Island in Plettenberg Bay (‘Plett’) is a similar story. When the hotel was built in 1972, Plett was still a small village. However, after its success the town took off and Plett now ranks as the top second-home hotspot for the super-rich in South Africa.

Last, but not least, is of course Sun City. The resort, which was built by Sol Kerzner in 1979, set a benchmark for casino and golf resorts worldwide. The resort includes the spectacular Lost City, which was added in the 1990s.

Since his success in South Africa, Sol Kerzner has built several successful hotels worldwide including the Atlantis Hotel (Bahamas and Dubai), and the One & Only Hotel (Mexico, Australia, Mauritius and the Bahamas).